Attendees to the inaugural Newcastle Pride will get access to resources and information on LGBTI health and wellbeing through a range of activities delivered by NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation, ACON.
Running from 24 to 26 August, Newcastle Pride will celebrate the diverse LGBTI communities of the Newcastle and Hunter region with a dynamic program of events featuring wine tours, film screenings, social events and a community fair.
As the region’s primary organisation working to support and improve the health and wellbeing of the Hunter LGBTI community, ACON is a key partner of Newcastle Pride and will have a broad presence throughout festival.
“ACON is excited and proud to be a part of Newcastle Pride as it’s an important event that brings together regional LGBTI communities of Newcastle and the Hunter,” said ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill.
“Despite progress made over recent years in fostering a more inclusive society in Australia, many LGBTI Australians continue to be targets of prejudice and discrimination. Supporting Newcastle Pride provides organisers and the local community a great opportunity to demonstrate that the Hunter is welcoming and celebrates diversity and inclusion.”
Throughout the festival, ACON will provide sexual health screening and information services, including a pop up HIV and STI screening service, run in partnership by ACON Hunter and Hunter New England LHD, and dried blood spot HIV testing kits.
ACON community health promotion officers will be on hand to provide information on PrEP, HIV testing and HIV treatment and other LGBTI health issues affecting our communities, including breast/chest health, cervical cancer screening and mental health.
“Pride events in regional and rural NSW provides an important opportunity for local communities to come together to not only celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion, but also get informed and engaged on issues affecting the health and wellbeing of LGBTI people,” Parkhill said.
“Events like Newcastle Pride enables ACON to connect with local LGBTI people and people living with HIV in regional areas. As our communities are becoming more visible in regional Australia, partnering with local groups and services to promote HIV prevention, support and LGBTI health services is a key priority for us.
“By working together, we can continue to build the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
Newcastle Pride runs from 24-26 August, various events and locations. To view the event program, go to newcastlepride.com.au.
To find out more about ACON programs and services, go to acon.org.au
ENDS
For more information please contact:
David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications
E: dalexander@acon.org.au T: +61 (02) 9206 2044 M: +61 (0)428 477 042
